Visitor’s Guide to Oral Argument
A case selected for argument usually involves interpretations of the U. S. Constitution or federal law. At least four Justices have selected the case as being of such importance that
the Supreme Court must resolve the legal issues.
An attorney for each side of a case will have an opportunity to make a presentation to the Court and answer questions posed by the Justices. Prior to the argument, each side has submitted
a legal brief—a written legal argument outlining each party’s points of law. The Justices have read these briefs prior to argument and are thoroughly familiar with the case,
its facts, and the legal positions that each party is advocating.
Beginning the first Monday in October, the Court generally hears two arguments a day, beginning at 10 a.m., with occasional afternoon sessions scheduled as necessary. Arguments are held
on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays in two-week intervals through late April (with longer breaks during December and February). The argument calendars are posted on the Court’s Website
under the "Oral Arguments" link. In the recesses between argument sessions, the Justices are busy writing opinions, deciding which cases to hear in the future, and reading the briefs for the
next argument session. They grant review in approximately 80 of the more than 5,000-7,000 petitions filed with the Court each Term. No one knows exactly when a decision will be handed down
by the Court in an argued case, nor is there a set time period in which the Justices must reach a decision. However, all cases argued during a Term of Court are decided before the summer recess
begins, usually by the end of June.
During an argument week, the Justices meet in a private conference, closed even to staff, to discuss the cases and to take a preliminary vote on each case. If the Chief Justice is in the
majority on a case decision, he decides who will write the opinion. He may decide to write it himself or he may assign that duty to any other Justice in the majority. If the Chief Justice
is in the minority, the Justice in the majority who has the most seniority assumes the assignment duty.
Participants in the Courtroom
Justices
The Justices enter the Courtroom through three entrances behind the Bench. The Chief Justice and two senior Associate Justices enter through the center, and three Associate Justices
enter through each side. They also sit on the Bench in order of seniority with the Chief Justice in the middle, and the others alternating from left to right, ending with the
most junior Associate Justice on the far right, as you face the Bench.
Clerk
The Clerk of the Supreme Court or his representative sits to the left of the Bench. His responsibilities in the Courtroom include providing the Justices with materials about the case
if the Justices desire additional documents and notifying the appropriate Court personnel when an opinion can be released to the public. He also swears in new members of the
Supreme Court Bar.
Marshal
The Marshal or the Marshal’s representative sits to the right side of the Bench. The Marshal’s roles are to call the Court to order, maintain decorum in the Courtroom, tape
the audio portions of argument, and time the oral presentations so that attorneys do not exceed their time limitations.
Marshal’s Aides
Marshal’s Aides are seated behind the Justices. They often carry messages to the Justices or convey messages from a Justice to a member of his or her staff.
Attorneys
The attorneys scheduled to argue cases are seated at the tables facing the Bench. The arguing attorney will stand behind the lectern immediately in front of the Chief Justice. On the lectern
there are two lights. When the white light goes on, the attorney has five minutes remaining to argue. The red light indicates that the attorney has used all the allotted time.
Bar Member Seating
Attorneys who are admitted as members of the Supreme Court Bar may be seated in the chairs just beyond the bronze railing. Any member of the Supreme Court Bar may attend any argument, space
permitting. Before entering, they will be required to report to the Clerk’s assistant who
is seated at the Visitor Desk in the Lower Great Hall on the ground floor. The Supreme Court Bar check-in process normally begins at 8:30 a.m., but
line may form in advance in front of the Supreme Court Building. Only Bar members who actually intend to attend argument are allowed in line for the Bar section; "line standers"
are not permitted. Bar members are required to show the assistant a photo identification card and each name is checked against the Bar membership roster. Inform the assistant if your
name is different from the one used when you were admitted to the Bar. Bar members will be issued a pass and directed to proceed to the Courtroom on the first floor. Seating is on a first‐
come, first‐seated basis. When the Bar section is filled, remaining Bar members will be seated in the Lawyers’ Lounge where arguments can be heard through a loudspeaker. Bar members
are asked to wear professional business attire. Male attorneys shall wear a coat and a tie. Female attorneys shall wear comparable attire (suit, dress, or dress slacks with matching jacket).
Hats and furs are not permitted. Topcoats, raincoats, jackets and umbrellas must be checked in the checkroom
Others
Law Clerks
Each Justice has the option of employing up to four law clerks as assistants. These clerks are law school graduates who have previously clerked for a federal judge on a lower court.
The clerks often listen to oral arguments. They are seated in the chairs flanking the Courtroom on the right.
Special Guests
Guests of Justices are seated in the benches to the right of the Bench and are seated in order of the seniority of the Justice who invited them. The row of black chairs in front of the guest
section is reserved for retired Justices and officers of the Court, such as the Reporter of Decisions or the Librarian, who attend oral argument from time to time.
News Media
Members of the Supreme Court press corps sit to the left of the Bench in the benches and chairs facing the guest section. The press enter the Courtroom from the hallway on the left.
Courtroom Seating
All oral arguments are open to the public, but seating is limited. The Court is currently conducting a pilot program in which members of the public may apply for Courtroom seating through an online lottery.
During the pilot program, Courtroom seating will also be available to the public on a first-come, first-seated basis.
Before a session begins, a line forms on the sidewalk on East Capitol Street adjacent to the Court building. Please do not hold a space for others who have not yet arrived.
Seating for the first argument begins at 9:30 a.m. The Supreme Court Building will otherwise be closed to the public when the Court is in session. There is a police officer on duty
to answer your questions.
Visitors should be aware that cases may attract large crowds, with lines forming before the building opens. Obviously there are unavoidable delays associated with processing and seating
large numbers of visitors, and your cooperation and patience are appreciated. Court police officers will make every effort to inform you as soon as possible whether you can expect to
secure a seat in the Courtroom.
Before entering the Supreme Court Building, all visitors are screened by a magnetometer and all personal belongings are screened by an x-ray machine. To ensure the safety of visitors and staff
and to preserve the collections, facilities, and historic building and grounds, please see the list of items strictly prohibited inside the building and in
the Courtroom while Court is in session.
We do not recommend taking infants or young children into the Courtroom.
When the Court adjourns, all persons must leave the Courtroom and the Great Hall. If there is an afternoon oral argument, persons attending the afternoon session must line up
again in front of the building to gain admission.
Courtroom Seating Chart
of The Supreme Court of the United States